PTE ROBT MILLAR 5TH A.&.S.H.

S/18445 Private Robert Millar

1st/5th Battalion, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders

killed in action 1st August 1918

aged 24

Son of John Millar and Mary MacNamara
Broomward, Bridge of Weir

His Life

Robert Millar was born on 23rd October 1893 at Loanhead, Houston, Renfrewshire, one of twelve (seven surviving) children, and the only son, born to John Millar, a ploughman and carting contractor from Bridge of Weir, and Mary Macnamara from Craigends, Lanarkshire, who had married in Kilbarchan on 12th December 1879. Robert Millar was a first cousin of William Simpson Millar, sharing paternal grandparents, Robert Millar and Mary Speirs who had married in Lochwinnoch in 1850.

In 1881 Mary (18), described as a farm servant's wife, and 3-month old Elizabeth were living in Morrison's Land, Kilbarchan. John was not present.

In 1891 John (37), Mary and five daughters were living at Loanhead, Houston, Renfrewshire. John was a ploughman. Mary's mother, 67 year old Elizabeth Macnamara, was boarding.

In 1901 the Millar family of five was still living in the ploughman's house, Loanhead. By then the three eldest daughters had left the family home and Robert, the first surviving son, was 7 years old.

By 1911, the family, now of four, had moved to a 2-roomed flat in Beechwood, Main Street, Bridge of Weir. John was now a carting contractor, and employed his son Robert (17). The last remaining daughter Isabella was a calico print worker. By 1918, Broomward, Bridge of Weir near the Clydesdale Leather Works, was the main family home.

Robert Millar enlisted in January 1917 and joined the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. His Medal Index Card does not record when he first joined the theatre of war. He was killed when the 1/5th Bn took part in the Battle of the Marne as part of the 103rd Brigade, 34th Division's attack near Beugneux and was initially buried in the Beugneux British Cemetery, which contained the graves of 36 British soldiers (mainly of the 1st/5th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders) who fell on 1st August 1918. Their remains were later moved to Oulchy-Le-Chateau . The courage and tenacity of the 34th Division, fighting alongside the French, was commended by General Mangin.

The field of battle where Robert Millar fell on 1st August 1918. The 5th Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders were on the right of the 103rd Brigade's advance past Beugneux.

"Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Men of the 15th and 34th British Divisions - You entered the battle at its fiercest moment. The enemy, once vanquished, again brought up against us his best divisions, considerably outnumbering our own. You continued to advance step by step in spite of his desperate resistance, and you held the ground won, in spite of violent counter attacks. Then during the whole day of the 1st of August, side by side with your French comrades, you stormed the ridge dominating the whole country between the Aisne and the Ourcq which the defenders had received orders to hold at all costs. Having failed to retake the ridge with his last reserves the enemy had to beat a retreat, pursued and harassed for twelve kilometers. All of you, English and Scottish, young soldiers and veterans of Flanders and Palestine, you have shown the magnificent qualities of your race; courage and imperturbable tenacity. You have won the admiration of your companions in arms. Your country will be proud of you, for to your chiefs and you is due a large share in the victory that we have gained of the barbarous enemies of the free. I am happy to have fought at your head, and I thank you.Mangin.

Unit War Diary: 5th Argyll & Sutherland Highalnders. WO95/2466/1. National Archives.1 August 1918: In the Field: 0400: Intense artillery fire from 0400 - 0445. Zero altered to 0445. 2/Lt Thomson DCM - new officer - joins at 0330. Barrage opens 0445, jumping 100 metres every 3 min. App. strength before attack 6 officers - 260 O.R. plus M.O. Lieut Saunders killed and Lieut Grant wounded before reaching Hill 158 S. of BEUGNEUX. Lieut C.D. Robertson wounded at Hill 158. Lieut Fleming left in command of attacking lines going through. Lieut-Col Barlow DSO, Lieut Thomson & Hqrs Coy go round left of Hill. Hill 158 captured at second attempt - 4 officers (including Bn Commander & Adjt.) and 40 O.R. taken prisoner, and about 10 machine guns captured.
Battalion pushes on up the ridge, but held up by intense machine gun fire from 3 sides. Lieut-Col Barlow DSO - RSM Monteith - CSM MacNab and 30 more were killed during this period. Col. Coulson K.O.S.B. gives us Lieut French on loan. Lieut Fleming Commanding Battalion. News of French Division passing through us and pushing on, but we have to capture our whole objectives before they will do so - Small attack at 7 pm and objectives gained.
Boche barrage comes down at 9 pm - Shells and machine-gun fire.
App strength of Battn.- 2 officers and 130 O.R. plus M.O.
Collecting and burying dead at point 148 (Map FERE-EN-ARDOISE) just east of BEUGNEUX. Service by Padres at 3 pm. French passing through - cavalry and infantry. Have lost touch with enemy, who has retired a long way.

Paisley and Renfrewshire Gazette

7th September 1918: Death Announcements: Private Robert Millar A. & S.H., aged 24 years, killed in action 1st August 1918. He was the only son of Mr& Mrs John Millar, Broomward, Bridge of Weir - Will the many kind friends who sent letters of sympathy accept our sincere thanks.

7th September 1918 Mr John Millar, contractor, Broomward, has received official intimation that his only son, Private Robert Millar, A. & S.H., was killed in action on August 1st. Private Millar joined up in January 1917, and was badly injured on 31st July 1918 by shrapnel and bullet wounds in both legs. Prior to enlisting he was in his father's employ.

2nd August 1919 - IN MEMORIAM: In loving memory of my brother, Private Robert Millar, 5th A&SH, killed in action in France, 1st August 1918. - To memory dear.

Ye babbling winds, in silence sweep;
Disturb ye not our hero's sleep.

Inserted by his Sister M.Millar, QMAAC, Broomward, Bridge of Weir.

In loving memory of our Son and Brother, Private Robert Millar, 1 - 5 A&SH, killed in action in France on 1st August, 1918, aged 24years. - Interred in Beugneux British Cemetery, south south east of Soissons.

God is good. He gives us strength
To bear our heavy cross;
He is the only one who knows
How bitter is our loss.

Inserted by his Father, Mother and Sisters

Evening Timeso 30th August 1918: Pte. Robt. Millar, A. and S.H. (killed), was the only son of Mr John Millar, contractor, Broomward, Bridge of Weir. He was 24 years of age.